Judges, lawyers praise Washoe legal foundation

Sandra Chereb

Friday, March 28, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

RENO -- Judges, lawyers and community activists say the creation of a new legal foundation will help provide better access to the justice system in Washoe County to those who need it.

"This is really a special day for all of us," Washoe District Judge Connie Steinheimer said during a brief ceremony in her courtroom this week for the signing of the incorporation papers founding the Access to Justice Foundation.

The nonprofit organization grew from a rule adopted by the Nevada Supreme Court in July that encourages lawyers to give 20 hours of free time or $500 a year to support services and pro bono programs for the elderly, homeless and others who cannot afford to hire a lawyer in civil disputes.

In criminal matters, most defendants who cannot afford a lawyer are provided one through the public defender's office.

The Supreme Court's Amended Rule 191 also established judicial district committees to implement the program. Washoe County is the first to establish a foundation overseeing those efforts.

"Washoe County's committee moved quickly to address the needs of the community and the foundation is the culmination of that effort," said Steinheimer, who served as chairwoman of the incorporation committee.

Ninety-five percent of the money collected from Washoe County lawyers who are members of the State Bar will be distributed equally among Nevada Legal Services, Washoe Legal Services, Washoe County Senior Law Program, and Volunteer Lawyers of Washoe County -- programs that provide legal aid to people who cannot afford a private attorney.

"It's going to mean more services available to more seniors," said Despina Hatton of the Senior Law Project.

Money will allow the program to maintain or add staff attorneys, while volunteered time also will help handle an increasing caseload, she said.

There are about 1,000 licensed attorneys in Washoe County.

"It's a win-win situation for the public," said Reno lawyer N. Patrick Flanagan, a committee member and foundation trustee representing the State Bar Board of Governors.

"I believe that most lawyers already give their time to the public for free, but they just don't get recognition for it," Flanagan said. The organization will keep track of time and money donated by lawyers.

Flanagan added that the foundation may also help "counteract the negative perception people may have of lawyers."